Watchout! Bogus TM Debt Collectors Out to Con Your Ass!

Next time some stranger comes knocking on your door for money…DON’T give it to them!

The Star reports that there have been cases in Penang where unscrupulous individuals masquerading as debt collectors for TM have been collecting cash from subscribers who have failed to clear their bills. The dead giveaway for these bogus collectors is that they use fake appointment letters that bear TM’s old logo NOT the new one.

According to the company, it is standard procedure for TM appointed debt collection agents to present their appointment letter, valid identification tag and the outstanding bill reminder letter when they visit a customer’s premises to collect debts.

As a precautionary measure, TM says you should get all the details of the person claiming to be authorised by TM to collect debt on the company’s behalf. Get their name, mobile telephone number and the name of their company.

TM says you should ask the debt collector a few questions about your account, such as your fixed line or Streamyx account service number or account number, and to call the ,TM Penang Collection Management Division at 04-3230295 to check the company’s details if there is any doubt.

If there is still doubt, TM says you don’t have to pay the debt collector. Instead, you can make payment directly at any TMpoint outlets instead.

Apparently TM has issued a statement cautioning subscribers to be extra careful when approached by debt collectors claiming they represent TM. We tried digging through TM’s website but couldn’t find the statement (accessed 2310hrs, 10 Feb 2009).

So TM, please update your Newsroom section on your website. Thanks.

And here’s a tip from us. A better way to avoid being approached by bogus debt collectors is…pay your bills! You know who you are.

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